Alta states

A writer’s confession: Ten reasons for loving
Whistler

Whistler Style Many an exhibitionist has called Whistler home. Chili Thom doing his part during one of many legendary parties

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As Bobby Zimmerman once wrote, “the times they
are a changing.” And if we can’t make those crucial alterations in our way of
doing things, we risk quickly becoming obsolete. “In times of transition like
this,” David Perry said in the first-ever Alta States column, “the decisions
that are made by the people in power have huge consequences. Now, more than
ever, Whistlerites have to reflect on the true nature of this place. They have
to focus on what makes this resort community special. And then they have to
make sure that their vision is respected!”

Let me put it to you bluntly. While the Aspen Skiing
Company is spending oodles of dough to underwrite one of the biggest solar
array projects in Colorado, Intrawest is investing in one of the biggest
energy-consuming capital projects ever at Whistler. Which one is more
sustainable? And which one reflects best our 2020 vision?

I’d love to have that discussion in an open
forum. So yes, I totally agree with Colorado resident R. Schwartz who wrote a
letter to the Pique a few weeks ago suggesting we should develop more of a
point/counterpoint exchange in these pages. In fact, that’s what I’ve been
trying to do all along…

Indeed, I would much rather have a
rip-snorting debate with W/B CEO Dave Brownlie over the viability of private
clubs on public land instead of being attacked in the letter-to-the-editor section
for my personal shortcomings (and not for the facts quoted in the column).
Interested Dave?

Sadly it all comes down to the bully factor
(or the perceived bully factor). “
You're
right, I should (write a letter to the editor),” said an Alta States supporter
recently. “But I won't. Because like countless other drones in this corridor, I
rely on WB to pay the rent. And you can bet your life that we are all expected
to fall into line — whether we are employees, associates or contractors…”

But in the end, that’s
neither here nor there. Either you love Whistler — and you’re willing to
roll up your sleeves and fight for its future (in whichever form you believe it
should take) — or you’re just a carpetbagger along for the ride. I know
in which camp I stand. What about you?